The North and Central American World Cup final is drawing intense attention for the potential showdown between Argentina's Messi and Spain's rising star Yamal.

THE World Cup is set to reach its climax after over a month of brilliant football – and there’s still plenty to be excited about. Spain and Argentina face off in a mouthwatering clash

Lionel Messi surged to the top of the 2026 World Cup dribbling charts after Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final win over England, outpacing rivals.

BBC Sport explores a bond between two world-class footballers from different generations who appear bound by destiny

The Messi and Yamal photo from 2007 has taken over social media as both players gear up to represent their respective countries in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final

The remarkable photos of Lionel Messi and baby Lamine Yamal as pair prepare to clash in World Cup final - An infant Yamal was photographed alongside the man he succeeded as Barcelona’s star in 2007

Lionel Messi once gave Lamine Yamal a bath. It is one of football’s strangest stories. Now, nearly two decades later, they will meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with the biggest prize in the sport on the line.

With the Ballon d'Or race tighter than ever before, BBC Sport looks at how the World Cup final could determine the 2026 winner.